Sleep Testing

A sleep test, also called a Polysomnogram, is a test that records a person’s physical state during various stages of sleep and wakefulness. The test provides data about sleep stages, body position, blood oxygen levels, respiratory events, muscle tone, heart rate, snoring, and general sleep behavior. This data is essential in evaluating sleep and sleep-related complaints.

Our qualified staff of Licensed Respiratory Therapists and Polysomnographic technologists, Sleep Technicians, are trained in Sleep Diagnostics and the treatment of sleep disorders . The Sleep Technician can answer any questions that you may have but cannot tell you the test results. Please make sure to make an appointment with your physician, following the completion of your sleep exam(s), to receive the results.

When You Arrive For Your Sleep Test

Please check-in at the Emergency Department for registration

Tell the registration staff that you are here for a sleep exam

Once the registration process is completed, the Diagnostic Sleep Lab will be notified

Our Sleep Center Suite

Equipped with a comfortable queen size bed

Bedding is provided - sheets, blankets and lots of pillows. Please do not bring any bedding from home

Equipped with a television and a DVD player

Equipped with a shower for your convenience

A Breakfast voucher is provided for a delicious meal following your sleep test

What to Expect During/After Your Sleep Test

The Sleep Technician will connect sensors to your head, chest, legs and fingers

You may drink water and use the restroom during your sleep test

Your sleep test will be monitored from another room by the Sleep Technician

The Sleep Technician will wake you in the morning to remove the sensors

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire concerning your sleep experience

Preparation For The Sleep Test

Shower - Please shower prior to coming to the Sleep laboratory, and wash and dry your hair. Avoid using hair products such as gels, hairsprays or heavy conditioners, because they may prevent the electrodes from sticking to your scalp.

No make-up – Make-up may interfere with the sensor connections on your face. If you wear make-up to the sleep lab, you must remove it before the test begins.

No naps – Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, most patients are asked to obtain a normal night’s sleep before the test. Avoid a nap on the day of your sleep test.

Limit caffeine – Take your regular medications and limit your caffeine intake. To achieve the best possible test results DO NOT take anything that contains caffeine after 2:00 PM the day of your exam. Please remember that this includes coffee, tea (including iced tea), most sodas, energy drinks, hot chocolate and chocolate products.

Rescheduling

We understand that conflicts do arise that may prevent you from being here for your sleep exam. If this happens, please contact our Central Scheduling Department 706.282.4466, and they will attempt to accommodate your needs. Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice so that we may accommodate others.

While we do understand that emergencies do occur; however, we cannot allow more than one rescheduled appointment. Frequent rescheduling prevents us from being able to complete testing for all our patients.